Tackling vacancy and dereliction - Gallagher

Ireland’s drive to bring empty homes back to life is accelerating fast, with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant powering a major surge in reuse.

Over 3,000 previously disused houses were transformed in 2025 alone, a milestone Senator Robbie Gallagher says proves the scheme is tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head‑on.

The Fianna Fáil man says that the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has really hit its stride with the rate of grant payments more than double compared to 2024 and more than 4,500 disused homes now back in use since the start of the scheme.

Senator Gallagher says that the scheme is continuing to gain momentum, with an increase of 127%. Grants of €1,007,683 were paid out in Cavan and Monaghan grants totalled €1,126,427 in 2025.

Nationally, since the launch of the scheme in July 2022 up to December, 2025, a total of 16,607 applications were received; 12,096 were approved and 4,514 grants were paid out on completion of works to a total of almost €247M.

"This grant is tackling the scourge of dereliction and vacancy head-on, and the surge in vacancy grant payments underlines its growing success in bringing homes back into use across our villages, towns and cities. In a time of housing shortage, leaving properties vacant is simply unacceptable," said Sen Gallagher.

The Government has extended the grant until 2030 and introduced an enhanced support package of up to €140,000 to transform vacant ‘above shop’ spaces into homes.

The extended support package will be available from April , 2026.

"Tackling vacancy and dereliction is not just a priority, it’s a necessity to ensure existing properties are put to use for housing," said Sen Gallagher.

Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, you can receive a payment of up to €70,000 to turn a vacant or derelict house or former commercial building into your permanent home or a rental property.

The grants are paid upon the completion of the works and the submission of the required paperwork demonstrating the work approved has been delivered.